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COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate today approved Senate Bill 25, legislation introduced by State Senators Bob Peterson and Frank LaRose (R- Copley) that creates the SharedWork Ohio Program. The program provides employers and workers with an alternative to layoffs in which both sides agree to reduce the number of hours each employee works.

Under Senate Bill 25, workers would continue to receive their normal pay for the hours they do work, and would collect pro-rated unemployment for the remaining hours. A shared work plan must be approved by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, with both companies and employees choosing whether or not to participate. Similar programs have already been enacted in 25 other states.

“A shared work program enables companies to retain skilled workers when they may otherwise be forced to initiate layoffs, preventing them from losing valued workers that can be difficult to replace when a company resumes normal operations. It also prevents workers from the unenviable task of having to explain to their families that they have been laid off,” Peterson said. “Establishing a shared work program in Ohio will keep us competitive with the surrounding states that offer such a program, and give employers another tool to help maintain their workforce.”

Senate Bill 25 now moves to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.